In its latest annual report, Vodacom Group disclosed the termination of 631 employees and contractors due to fraud-related activities in the fiscal year 2024, which also saw 15 individuals being apprehended for their involvement in these incidents.
The report shed light on the extent of misconduct within the company, with close to 9,000 instances being reported through various channels over the course of the year.
Delving into the specifics, the period from April 2023 to March 2024 was marked by the Vodacom corporate security team’s investigation into approximately 8,600 allegations of fraud. These investigations were split between 6,872 cases that originated from external sources and 1,780 that were reported internally. The rigorous investigative efforts resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals and the subsequent dismissal of 631 staff members and contractors.
Vodacom employs sophisticated technological tools to identify and scrutinize both internal and external fraud attempts. The company gathers reports from a multitude of sources, including online submissions, direct reports from customers, information from external whistle-blowers, and through a dedicated whistle-blowing hotline known as Speak Up.
In addition to its security measures, Vodacom has been focusing on leveraging big data analytics to enhance customer experience by understanding client needs and delivering tailored services. Interestingly, the same big data solutions that aid in customer service optimization also play a crucial role in bolstering the company’s fraud detection and prevention strategies.
